Life is Full of Choices

As Captain Planet used to say (if you’re an elder millennial like me), “The power is yours.” Sure, he was talking about saving the planet — mullet and all — but the power of choice in 2025 is just as relevant for parents. When used intentionally, it can move mountains and create lasting impact in our homes and communities. But as Uncle Ben reminded Peter Parker, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

And when Dumbledore told Harry in The Chamber of Secrets, “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities,” he wasn’t just giving advice to a young wizard — he was speaking to all of us trying to get it right.

As a fellow dad, here are a few choices I invite you to consider:

Choose kindness. Smile. Make eye contact. Say hello. You never know whose day you’re turning around by acknowledging their humanity.

Choose to share what you have. The homeless gentleman sitting outside Tim Hortons near LHSC with the sign truly appreciates an extra coffee and a bagel being shared with him.

Choose to say what matters. Don’t leave important words unsaid. Life’s unpredictability demands we speak our hearts while we can.

Choose yourself, too. Wake up 30 minutes earlier and walk the dog. Pick veggies over fries. Drink more water. Save that extra binged episode for tomorrow and get some more sleep. Call your doctor about that thing you’ve been ignoring.

Choose to read. Read to your kids daily. Read for yourself, too. A University of Sussex study found that reading for just six minutes each day can reduce stress by up to 68%. Look it up if you don’t believe me.

Choose to play. Your kids will always pick you as their favourite playmate — if you pick them first.

Choose to maximize your potential. If you’re unhappy in your career or with your pay cheque, ask those who know and love you most what you should be doing differently. They will have ideas.

Choose to be present. They’re only this age once.

 

Jeremy McCall is a married father of 3, a social services case manager, and known as “The Dadfather”, being the founder and Past President of Dad Club London.